The Fayette Garden Club was organized in 1922, making it the oldest garden club in Fayette County and possibly the state of Ohio.
Miss Gertude Gardner, as the club’s first president, served from 1922 to 1933. Throughout the years, the group has participated in many community projects such as Arbor Day tree plantings at various locations in the city. Between 1941 and 1945, they organized Victory Gardens, encouraging children to plant and attend them.
In 2004, the restoration of the Washington Cemetery Memorial Fountain was completed at a cost of over $95,000 raised by the Fayette Garden Club and the Washington Garden Club. These two garden clubs also completed the restoration of the arch and gate at the Washington Cemetery in 2011. These two clubs were also presented the 2011 Ohio Historical Preservation Award for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Washington Cemetery Memorial Fountain.
The members of the club have also won many awards during the years for their participation in flower shows at the county fairs and elsewhere.
On May 12, 2017, members and guests met at Rachel’s House to celebrate their 95th anniversary. While the ladies assembled, they enjoyed hors d’ouerves and visiting. Linda Morgan offered a prayer before the meal was served.
Following a delectable repast a short meeting was held. The president opened the meeting with an anonymous reading entitled “Do It Anyway.”
Roll call was answered by describing your summer garden plans. Reports by the secretary and treasurer were deferred until the next meeting. Linda Morgan read the slate of officers proposed by the nominating committee:
– President Marge Clifford
– Vice-President Linda Morgan
– Secretary Pam Rhoads
– Assistant Secretary Jodi Kirkpatrick
– Treasurer Debbie Carr
– Assistant Treasurer Pat Parsons
The office of publicity chairman will be handled by the secretary until the position can be filled. Linda Morgan, director of Region 16, reported on the meeting held May 11 at Wilmington. The Fayette Garden Club was recognized for the celebration of their 95th anniversary.
The plant/flower of the month is the phlox. Members offered any facts about asters they had found. Joanne Montgomery gave the horticulture tip about dealing with poison ivy in your flower beds.
The meeting was adjourned so the ladies could visit McClish’s Plants Plus Greenhouse.
